馃嚠馃嚛 Indonesian phrases

How to Say "I don't understand" in Indonesian

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Saya tidak mengerti
"I don't understand" in Indonesian 路 say it like sah-yah tee-dahk meng-er-tee

The most natural way to say "I don't understand" in Indonesian is Saya tidak mengerti. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Saya tidak paham
More casual and commonly used in everyday conversation
Saya kurang paham
Used when you partially understand but need clarification

When to use it

Use this phrase when someone is explaining something and you find it confusing. It can be used in both formal and informal settings. It's a polite way to ask for clarification or further explanation.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "I don't understand" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Indonesian

IndonesianEnglish
Maaf, saya tidak mengerti penjelasan Anda.Sorry, I do not understand your explanation.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'mengerti' with 'mengerti' in different contexts, but they mean the same.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Saya tidak mengerti, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Indonesian with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What should I say if I understand something but not everything?

You can say 'Saya kurang paham' to indicate you need more clarification.

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